Patent system overhaul in the works

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the America Invents Act, which may serve to help overhaul the patent system.

Currently, the United States grants patents to those who are “first to invent.” But those in favor of patent reform believe the “first to invent” rule leads to increased litigation from those who claim they were the first to invent something even if they don’t hold a patent. The new Act eliminates that problem by creating a “first to file” patent system.

In March, the Senate passed similar legislation. The House and Senate must now finalize the bill before it finally comes to rest on President Obama’s desk.